- Position Title
- Legal Administrative Specialist (Benefit Authorizer)
- Agency
- Social Security Administration
- Announcement Number
- SO-22-11584665-DEU-BA Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, August 8, 2022 to Thursday, September 8, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? Select yes if you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; your permanent grade is equivalent to or above the grade level of the vacancy; AND your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. (Note: You must submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. Please review the Required Documents section of the announcement for more information.)
3.
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces?
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources..
-OR-
Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources..
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? Select yes if you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; your permanent grade is equivalent to or above the grade level of the vacancy; AND your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. (Note: You must submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. Please review the Required Documents section of the announcement for more information.)
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
For the statements below, please select the response that best describes your experience and/or education. Select only one answer.
1.
Your response to the question below will determine if you qualify for the position of Benefit Authorizer, GS-5. If you meet more than one choice, select the response that describes the highest level of experience/education that you possess. You must fully meet the description in the response to select it.
2.
Your response to the question below will determine if you qualify for the position of Benefit Authorizer, GS-7. If you meet more than one choice, select the response that describes the highest level of experience/education that you possess. You must fully meet the description in the response to select it.
Assessment 2
The following questions ask you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific areas which relate to successful job performance.
You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted. Do not omit answers unless instructed to do so. Other omissions may decrease your score.
1.
During high school (grades 9 - 12), I made the semester honor roll:
2.
The high school grade I most often received was:
IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND COLLEGE, PLEASE SKIP TO ITEM 4.
3.
The college grade I most often received was:
4.
In the past three years the number of different paying jobs I have held for more than two weeks is:
5.
I have been employed in work similar to that of the job covered by this examination:
6.
In the past three years, my primary work experience has been in:
7.
On my present or most recent job, my supervisor rated me as:
8.
In the past three years the number of jobs I have been fired from is:
9.
The number of civic or social organizations (which have regular meetings and a defined membership) that I belong to is:
10.
In organizations to which I belong, my participation is best described as:
11.
My previous supervisors (or teachers if not previously employed) would most likely describe my basic math skills as:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The questions in this part relate to fundamental competencies, such as problem solving, that are required for the job for which you are applying.
Please answer each question "A" for YES or "B" for NO.
Keep in mind the following:
1) Some questions refer to "work" experience. Unless otherwise stated, this includes experience you have gained through:
• School,
• Volunteer work,
• Military service,
• Paid employment,
• Hobbies, or
• Professional, charitable, religious, community, social, or other organizations.
2) Some questions include examples to help show the broad range of accomplishments and experience applicants might have. Read the entire question using the examples as a guide, but do not base your answers solely on the examples.
• Some questions ask you if you received a grade of B or above in your schoolwork. On an A, B, C, D, F scale, a grade of B or above is considered an above average grade. If you were graded on a different scale, use the equivalent of a B or above on the type of scale on which you were graded.
3) Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Your responses are subject to verification through background checks, job interviews, and any other information obtained during the application process. Untruthful responses or any attempt to conceal information can result in your removal from a Federal job and in you being barred from seeking Federal employment in the future.
12.
Have you successfully reviewed and evaluated forms, applications, documents, or other information, not including contract proposals or bids, to make determinations (for example, to determine approval or denial of loans, eligibility for claims, etc.)?
13.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved making decisions about disclosure of sensitive or confidential information?
14.
Have you successfully done work that involved writing technical or legal reports, or translating technical or other complex material into language that was more easily understood?
15.
Since high school, have you received a grade of B or above in oral communication classes (for example, speech, public speaking, theater, etc.) or participated in activities that improved your oral communication skills (for example, training classes, workshops, seminars, debate team, speech club, etc.)?
16.
Have you successfully developed an automated system that improved accuracy, efficiency, or productivity?
17.
Have you identified and solved a problem with a procedure, product, or service that benefited the organization (for example, saved the organization time or money, increased sales, reduced errors, etc.)?
18.
Have you received formal recognition for your written work (for example, received an award, letter of commendation, excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
19.
Have you successfully completed a large-scale project (lasting several months or longer) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?
20.
Have you successfully done work where one of your primary responsibilities was to solve customer problems (for example, provided support services for customers with software problems)?
21.
Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using word processing software to create, edit, and format documents or correspondence?
22.
Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your customer service skills?
23.
Have you successfully done work that only occasionally required you to present information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?
24.
Have you successfully done work that required you to identify what a customer or client needs?
25.
Have you received favorable feedback about your ability to provide oral instructions or on-the-job training to others, or about your ability to instruct or coach others in athletic, leisure, or community activities?
26.
Have you successfully negotiated with another person sharing the same resources (for example, negotiated for employees, space, equipment, etc.)?
27.
Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to lead or facilitate briefings, meetings, or conferences, or formally present technical or other complex information to others?
28.
Have you successfully done work where your supervisor regularly relied on you to make decisions while he or she was in meetings or out of the office?
29.
Have you successfully written reports that presented facts, findings, logical conclusions, and persuasive arguments (for example, wrote a thesis, briefing papers, policy papers, complex research papers, etc.)?
30.
Have you successfully remained polite and tactful while doing work where one of your primary responsibilities was to handle customer problems or complaints (for example, worked as a customer service representative)?
31.
Do you have a professional license or certificate issued by a state or other official or professional licensing board indicating your mastery of a specialized body of knowledge (for example, cosmetology, real estate, certified public accounting, etc.)?
32.
Have you taught yourself skills that improved your performance in school or at work (for example, taught yourself typing, computer skills, a foreign language, etc.)?
33.
Have you successfully provided quality service to people with special needs or problems (for example, worked in a hospital, halfway house, special education program, etc.)?
34.
Have you designed or developed something, on your own initiative, to help you or other employees better complete assignments (for example, designed a training manual)?
35.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, demonstrating a product or service, or providing assistance to customers, clients, or the public?
36.
Have you successfully done work that involved reviewing various contract proposals or contract bids to determine which one to select?
37.
Have you successfully done work that frequently required you to present nontechnical information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?
38.
Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your computer skills?
39.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved using computer software to run a payroll, accounting, or inventory system, or to record or track other quantitative information?
40.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved composing letters or writing reports containing several short paragraphs, such as investigation reports, accident reports, performance evaluations, etc.?
41.
Have you developed a formal mechanism to learn more about a problem (for example, developed a survey, conducted interviews or focus groups, etc.)?
42.
Have you successfully persuaded others to volunteer time, money, or resources to a cause, or recruited others to join an organization (for example, college, community groups, charities, etc.)?
43.
Have you successfully resolved disagreements among a group of peers in a goal-oriented setting (for example, sports team, work group, theater group, cheerleading squad, etc.)?
44.
Have you successfully created computerized databases to organize information?
45.
Have you broken a sales record or a similar record, regularly exceeded quotas or similar productivity standards, or received formal recognition for doing work that surpassed what was expected (for example, received a certificate of appreciation, bonus, etc.)?
46.
Have you learned a hobby or leisure activity well enough that others have paid you to do it?
47.
Have you done work that involved writing brochures, press releases, or speeches?
48.
Have you worked on several major assignments or projects at the same time with minimal supervision and completed the work on time or ahead of schedule?
49.
Have you successfully dealt with a disruption to regular operations in a way that allowed for completion of the work or continuation of a noncritical service?
50.
Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using graphics software to create and edit charts, tables, or graphs?
51.
Have you successfully completed a long-term project outside of work where you were solely responsible for doing the work (for example, completed a thesis, wrote a book that was published, prepared a horse for competition that won a ribbon, restored an antique car, etc.)?
52.
Have you submitted articles or similar types of written work that were published in a local newspaper, nationally distributed newsletter, or similar type of publication?
53.
Have you successfully completed a highly structured, formal training program, not including an apprenticeship for a trade or craft, that required you to learn a complex body of information (for example, training for jobs in insurance, law enforcement, real estate, etc.)?
54.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting or coordinating with people outside of your immediate work group (for example, people from other offices, departments, organizations, etc.)?
55.
Have you successfully negotiated contracts, leases, or prices for services, supplies, equipment, property, etc.?
56.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved discussing sensitive information with others, or interviewing or surveying people, either in person or by telephone, to gather information they were reluctant to give?
57.
Have you received formal recognition for your ability to work well with others (for example, received a letter of recommendation or appreciation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
58.
Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using desktop publishing software to develop page layouts, create illustrations, etc.?
59.
In high school, did you have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, belong to an honor society, or graduate with honors?
60.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved determining appropriate products or services for customers or clients?
61.
Have you successfully worked closely with a client over an extended period of time to complete a project or resolve a problem?
62.
Have you received formal recognition for providing good service to customers or clients (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?
63.
Have you successfully done work where your primary responsibility was to handle customers' problems or complaints, or where you were required to deal with customer complaints that could not be resolved by lower level employees?
64.
Have you participated in post-high school activities that helped you improve your negotiation or persuasion skills (for example, college debate team, training classes, workshops, seminars, etc.)?
65.
Have you received favorable feedback for oral presentations you have given to management or other officials, or to the public (for example, for speaking at religious services, performing in theatrical productions, etc.)?
66.
Have you received a grade of B or above on essays or reports written for high school classes?
67.
Have you successfully done work that only occasionally involved helping others work out their problems (for example, worked as a resident advisor in a dorm, camp counselor, etc.)?
68.
Have you devised a strategy to overcome a major setback that successfully enabled you to complete a project on time or within budget?
69.
Have you received formal recognition for solving a work-related problem (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, etc.)?
70.
Have you served on a decision-making board or committee (for example, student governing board, planning board, homeowners' association board, etc.)?
71.
Have you successfully done work that involved deciding which supplies, equipment, or merchandise to purchase for a group or organization?
72.
Have you successfully persuaded management, other members of your group, customers, or clients to accept a proposal?
73.
Have you successfully done work that involved making personnel decisions (for example, who to hire, promote, or discipline) or deciding how to allocate equipment, materials, staff, etc.?
74.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved verifying the accuracy of information or the relevance of information to a problem or a situation (for example, investigative work)?
75.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, gathering nonsensitive information, or providing assistance to others, either in person or by telephone?
76.
Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your self-management skills (for example, time management, goal setting, career development, etc.)?
77.
Have you successfully negotiated with faculty, staff, advisors, etc., as an active member of the student council in high school or college?
78.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting with customers, clients, co-workers, or supervisors who were especially difficult to get along with?
79.
Have you successfully learned a hobby or leisure activity requiring extensive study or use of complex directions (for example, constructing stereo or computer systems, making stained glass objects, etc.)?
80.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved negotiating with customers or clients to modify products or to resolve problems or disputes?
81.
Have you successfully remained friendly and polite while briefly interacting with many different clients or customers (for example, worked as a receptionist, bank teller, cashier, waiter/waitress, sales clerk, etc.)?
82.
Have you written articles or similar types of work that have been included in a school newspaper, community newsletter, or similar type of publication?
83.
Have you successfully done work that regularly involved informally providing oral explanations of technical information or other complex information, such as regulations, policies, or procedures?
84.
Have you used study or review techniques that helped you learn material more effectively?
85.
Do you regularly monitor your progress toward achieving your career goals (for example, by initiating discussions about your career goals with your supervisor, employee counselor, mentor, etc.)?